HandsomeNerd

just got my funding response via email (scanned letter dated March 29)... 1/2 tuition! woot woot

grats! one of my classmates was accepted to the same program.

While it sucks that you guys have not had ideal experiences with American, I have to say my experiences with them have been positive, really across the board.

any of you guys decided on/leaning towards SSP going without funding? why?

I'm headed down to DC to visit my top two choices on April 11-12. I figure the back to back visits will keep each school's impression fresh enough to help with a decision. Problem is, my deadlines are April 15th and 18th, for letting them know. Should I schedule earlier trips, or is this fine?

might have something to do with funding. also, iirc, American has rolling admissions? the Jan 15th deadline was just to be in the running for merit aid. my acceptance letter was dated March 4. if JAC16 has a similar letter date, then the wave thing might very well be funding related.

looks like funding decisions for our MSFS counterparts have begun. anyone hear about SSP funding yet?

Well, for one, all the schools I got into are in DC. Second, DC is the policy nucleus of the US, and the heart of the US security community: it's where stuff happens, and I want to be a part of it. As for your situation, I'm not familiar with LSE (other than its general prestige), nor do I know to what program within the Elliot School you were accepted. My general advice is your standard run of the mill check-list: which program helps you the most with your career goals, financial feasibility of each program, how you feel about each after visiting, etc, etc.

@mcgov: yea me too. my fingers are crossed, though likely to little avail. posts from previous years don't seem to reflect much success in this area, even for candidates with very impressive stats and pedigrees. grats on Fletcher also! @meg: haha, just keep April 12 open on your calendar! actually, i sent an email to tiffany about something else, and i thought her advice might be applicable to you as well--

so, decisions being mostly out by now... how are you guys deciding between your acceptances?

kudos for the thread Silent_Bobina. and thanks for the letter template, postmodern

lol sai yuk. aren't you in at SIPA and SFS already?

I've been listening to the audio clips from (last year's?) visiting day for admitted students, and it's been quite insightful. The IR v. SS debate has popped up at various points throughout, and I can't remember them all. But, at about 1:00 in the SSP Overview section, Dr. Byman gets into it a bit and so do the alumni during the Alumni & Current Student Panel audio. One of the speakers posited a litmus test: look at the set of course offerings from each program. Whichever speaks to you the most is the program probably best for you. I also agree with SportsFan's analysis.

Will be headed down for grad school either at American or Georgetown. Looking for a quiet, metro-accessible area for 600-700 a month. Suggestions?

Pretty much. I got this same email... a day *after* I received the snail mail letter from the dean.

master's, so it's only about two years. still have about 9 months of post 9-11 GI Bill left as well.

Georgetown SSP has been my top choice since I decided to apply for grad school. When I visited the area last fall, I sat in on a class at American's equivalent of a security studies program. l was underwhelmed enough that I applied to a different program there instead (comparative regional studies, with a focus on Chinese foreign policy in the Middle East). But, now the application dust has settled, and these are my two best options. I have to admit, I felt quite flattered at the funding offered from American, and the thought of turning down their offer makes me feel guilty and ungrateful. At the same time, I applied aiming for security studies, and at American, that's not really what I'd be doing. With that said, I welcome any insight or advice on my situation. Thanks!

in!!!

sat around the house all day waiting for the mail... another day of nothing. i did, however, get a strange email about my "Incomplete Financial Aid Application for 2011-2012." anyone else get this email?

just got an email from Jeff Miles: " We regret that we are unable to offer you fellowship support." ugh

i was the one who posted the email last page. it wasn't a decision, but a notification about financial aid i might be eligible for as a veteran. hope that clears things up.

grats, fellow CRS acceptee. on which areas would/will you be focusing?

imperial wars

would you guys/gals that have received notifications mind posting your locations? I'm in Boston and have heard from 3/4 of my schools... gtown's the last one (but top choice) and i'm kinda bugging out.

same.